Batumi

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A general view of Batumi

Batumi (Georgian: ბათუმი, formerly Batum or Batoum) is a seaside city on the Black Sea coast and capital of Adjara, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. It has a population of 121,806 (2002 census).

Batumi, with its large port and commercial center, is also the last stop of the Trans-Caucasian railroad and the Baku oil pipeline. It is situated some 20 km (12 mi) from the Turkish border, in a subtropical zone, rich in citrus fruit and tea. Industries include oil refineries, shipbuilding, food processing, and light manufacturing.

1 History
2 Climate
3 Demographics
4 Landmarks
5 Postage stamps
6 Sister Cities
7 Notable people
8 External links

[edit] History

[edit] Early history

Batumi is located on the site of the ancient Greek colony of Batis - derived from the Greek words bathis limin meaning 'deep port'. It has been known since the 11th century for its fortifications. A part of Georgia since the Middle Ages, it came under Ottoman rule in the 16th century and was annexed by Russia in 1878 in accordance with Treaty of San Stefano between Russia and the Ottoman Empire (ratified on March 23). In exchange, according to a secret Anglo-Ottoman agreement, the Ottomans were to be allowed to occupy Cyprus - "Cuprum probatum". During these early years of annexation Batumi functioned as a free port and was one of the most important world exporters of wool, cotton and wood. After 1883 the city became an important place for the shipment of oil.

A view of Batumi, circa, 1911, towards the mountains

[edit] War, Communism and Independence

During 1901, 16 years prior to the Russian Revolution, Joseph Stalin the future leader of the Soviet Union, lived in the city organizing strikes. Unrest during World War I led to Turkey re-entering in April 1918, followed by the British in December, who stayed until July 1920. Kemal Ataturk then ceded it to the Bolsheviks, on the condition that it be granted autonomy, for the sake of the Muslims among Batumi's mixed population.

When the USSR collapsed, Aslan Abashidze was appointed head of Ajaria's governing council and subsequently held onto power throughout the unrest of the 1990's. Whilst other regions, such as Abkhazia, attempted to break away from the Georgian state, Ajara maintained an integral part of the Republic's territory. However due to a fragile security situation, Abashidze was able to exploit the central government's weaknesses and rule the area as a personal fiefdom. In May 2004 he fled the region to Russia as a result of mass protests sparked by the Rose Revolution in Tbilisi.

[edit] Present Day

Batumi today is the main port of Georgia. It has the capacity for 80,000-Tonne Tankers to deposit materials such as oil. This non-renewable source originates from Azerbaijan and is refined near the port and shipped across all world. Smaller oil exports also come from Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Additionally the city exports regional agricultural products. Since 1995 the freight conversion of the port has constantly risen, with an appoximate 8 million tons in 2001. The annual revenue from the port is an estimated 200 to 300 million US dollar.

Since the change of power in Ajaria, Batumi has attracted several international investors with real estate prices in the city trebling themselves since 2001. Kazakh investors have reportedly invested USD 100 million to purchase over 20 hotels in the Ajaria Autonomous Republic. Construction of new hotels will be launched in Ajaria’s Black Sea resorts starting from 2007.

Batumi is also host to 12 Russian Military bases. Following the Rose Revolution, the central government has pushed for the removal of these forces, and in 2005 an agreement with Moscow was reached. The bases will now remain until 2008, by which point to be, soldiers and weapons must leave.

[edit] Climate

The climate in Batumi is subtropical. Palm trees, lemon and orange trees all grow in the city.

The average annual temperature in Batumi is 14 degrees Celsius. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 6 degrees Celsius. July and August are the hottest months with an average temperature of 22 degrees Celsius. The absolute minimum recorded temperature is -7 degrees Celsius and the absolute maximum is 40 degrees Celsius. The average annual amount of precipitation amounts to 2500 mm. January is the wettest month (20 days on average) while May is the driest (15 days on average).

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Avg Temperature [°C]	6	7	8	12	16	20	22	22	20	16	12	8	14
Precipitation (mm)	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	2500

[edit] Demographics

The town is home to all the major religions of the Caucasus, with a mixed population of Catholics, Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church, Muslims, and Jews. There is an Armenian minority in Batumi.

[edit] Landmarks

Attractions include the Adjara State Museum, botanical gardens, which were started by professor Krasnov (brother of the general Pyotr Krasnov), aquarium, circus, and a former resort area along the Black Sea coast.